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Shambala Game Reserve

Steyn House.

Steyn Chalet.

Steyn Chalet.

Steyn Chalet.

Steyn Terrace.

July 11, 2010

When Nelson Mandela’s African National Congress was exiled at the height of South Africa’s decades-long apartheid struggle, the leader accepted an offer of shelter from insurance tycoon Douw Steyn—long before it was acceptable for a white person to make such an offer. Decades later, Mandela still lives part-time at Steyn’s estate in the Waterberg Mountains, the Shambala Game Reserve, which the friends now share with a select number of outside guests. Opened to the public in 2008, Shambala offers one of the most exclusive safari experiences in Africa. The 30,000-acre estate, which is located about two-and-a-half hours north of Johannesburg by car, includes Steyn’s 23,000-square-foot villa, Mandela’s countryside house, and 15 smaller chalets that altogether sleep 40 guests at capacity. The reserve accepts only one group at a time, which means that when you stumble upon a den of lions (Shambala is home to the Big Five as well as more elusive species), you will never share the pride with a pack of Land Rovers from other lodges. Accommodations Seven chalets in the Steyn House, views from which are postcard-perfect: burnt-orange bushland rising to rolling mountains and sprinkled with wandering animals. Dining Breakfast and dinner are served in the Steyn House. Facilities In-house masseuses. Rates From about $1,700 to $2,500.